Incident Details
The accident occurred during an instructional flight in a multi-engine airplane. The flight instructor, seated in the right seat, reported that during the landing roll, the brakes on his side were inoperative, while the brakes operated by the pilot under instruction functioned normally. After landing, the instructor allowed the pilot under instruction to taxi to the parking area. During a right turn in the parking area, the pilot under instruction was instructed to apply both brakes. The airplane began to pull to the left. The instructor attempted to counteract the left pull by increasing the right engine speed, but this had no effect. Both engines were then shut down, but the airplane continued its leftward movement, and the left wing struck a parked single-engine airplane. The multi-engine airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.
Examination Findings
An examination of the brake assembly was conducted to identify any pre-accident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The examination determined that the right side brake actuator piston "o" ring had failed. This failure decreased hydraulic brake pressure, preventing proper brake function on the right side of the airplane.
Instructor's Remarks
The flight instructor stated that the accident could have been prevented if he had stopped on the taxiway and not entered the parking ramp.